Phones seized during traffic stop lead to 375 blocks of cocaine in the Port of Rotterdam

Police seized phones from three men arrested during a traffic stop in Oosterwolde, revealing evidence of a shipping container holding 375 blocks of cocaine in the Port of Rotterdam, authorities said.

The investigation into drug trafficking began after officers stopped a white Volvo on Nanningaweg around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2. The stop was based on information received by police. Officers wearing heavy vests used a special approach technique for dangerous persons to remove the occupants from the vehicle.

Police seized the car and arrested the three men inside. Two of the suspects are a 29-year-old man from Zwolle and a 41-year-old man from Oosterwolde. Authorities have not released the identity of the third suspect.

The men were initially suspected of firearm possession and making threats. Officers seized their phones for examination. Prosecutors said the devices contained information about the shipping container with 375 blocks of cocaine in Rotterdam’s port, along with incriminating photos and video footage.

The 41-year-old man from Oosterwolde was released after several days.

On July 14, the two men were arrested again on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking. The Special Interventions Service detained the 41-year-old from Oosterwolde at Mastenbroek in Oosterwolde. The man from Zwolle was also taken into custody.

Both were held, but an examining magistrate ordered their immediate release on July 17. The Public Prosecution Service appealed the decision. The North Netherlands court then ordered them held in custody for 14 days.

The suspect from Oosterwolde has since reported and remains in custody. The investigation into all three suspects continues.